Hard Talk – Healthcare cost burden

By Nasik Swami: Payroll tax on GPs, increasing costs for GP visits, and a complicated Medicare scheme—is our health system failing our communities and the most vulnerable? Are the increasing healthcare costs becoming a deterrent for people in our district to visit a GP/doctor and seek treatment when our public hospitals are already overcrowded? Who should be held accountable for the burden of the extra healthcare costs people in country towns are facing? The Royal Australian College of GPs and the Australian Medical Association have warned the payroll tax would force clinics to pass on the cost to patients, end bulk billing, or shut down completely. In this edition of Hard Talk, The News digs deep into the much talked about GP payroll tax, the increasing cost of seeing a GP in country towns like Naracoorte, and a review of our Medicare system. We asked the SA Health Minister Chris […]

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Big win for apprentices

Apprentices and trainees across the south east who travel long distances for training are now receiving a significant financial boost, with increased travel and accommodation allowances easing pressure on both learners and local employers.

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Tailored holidays for SE travellers

For travellers across the south east, Phil Hoffmann Travel offers the expertise, personalised service, and trusted advice to help turn every holiday into an unforgettable experience.

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Call for flexible childcare grows

Federal member for Barker Tony Pasin has renewed his call to address regional childcare shortages, saying the solution must include more flexible childcare models after a new report confirmed the Limestone Coast is already almost 500 childcare places short, with demand expected to continue growing.

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Fellowship backs bold ideas for regional education

The Country Education Foundation (CEF) has officially opened applications for the Tim Fischer Fellowship for the second year, building on the momentum of the fellowship’s inaugural year.

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Artist explores memory, place, and resilience

Kingston based multi-disciplinary artist Delphine Allert is the 2026 South Australian Living Artist (SALA) at the Naracoorte Regional Art Gallery in August.

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Serviceton crossing upgrade

The long-awaited upgrade of the Serviceton North Road level crossing has reached an important milestone, with project signage now installed on site ahead of construction.

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